Essential Torah

Starred review from August 28, 2006
When New York film critic Robinson began attending synagogue—something he had not done since his adolescence—he found himself confused. His vain search for a printed guide led him to write Essential Judaism
, a well-received primer on Jewish customs, rituals, history and worship. The success of that one-volume handbook to Jewish practice in turn led Robinson to produce this manual on the Torah and what Jews believe. Writing in colloquial and accessible English, Robinson effectively, and sometimes entertainingly, shows why the five books of Moses constitute the basis for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Drawing on a dazzling array of sources, he provides an overview of the Torah, tackles the question of who wrote it, explores the commentaries, confronts the suppression of women's voices and bravely tackles what Bible scholars have labeled "troubling texts." Despite his valiant and informative effort, Robinson joins the ranks of his many predecessors in failing to find a satisfactory resolution to some of these disturbing stories. The second half of the book contains summaries of the 54 Torah portions, along with Robinson's useful commentaries. This book is a stellar achievement in which a gifted and diligent author guides readers of all faiths to a source book for religious belief and behavior.

November 15, 2006
This book does not take a traditional yeshivish approach to Torah learning; instead, it draws on both ancient and modern critical methods, citing the thoughts of scholars across a broad spectrum of Jewish ideological beliefs. In "Hearing Silenced Voices," for example, Robinson ("Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals") refers to the works of modern feminists. In "How I Study Torah," he quotes a diverse range of liberal to more modern Orthodox scholars (the remarks of rabbis from the more haredi yeshivish worlds are not represented). He discusses the basics of Jewish theology and history as they are derived from Torah; explains how the Dead Sea Scrolls shed light on the Bible; chronicles the evolution of the Torah's place in the synagogue liturgy; summarizes the 54 portions punctuating the Jewish year; and distills 2000 years of biblical commentaries. He rounds out the book with a study guide; a Bible time line; glossaries of terms and biblical commentators; and a bibliography. "Essential Torah" will undoubtedly be of interest, help, and guidance to non-Jews and Jews alike. It does an excellent job for the audience it attempts to reach. Recommended.David B. Levy, Brooklyn, NY

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